Pages

Friday, January 4, 2013

Living With Purpose – Guard Your Heart

The life
of faith, growing together in love and reaching the lost with the
message of salvation has never been an easy task. The early church
began in unity and harmony, but suffered much. It survived through
tremendous persecution and from those
who tried to undermine it from within.

For
those with unshakable faith,
even to the point of death, we have the blessing of their faithful
witness. Each generation has continued to bring the message of
salvation, which we have received to this day.

Our
relationship with each other
is so precious to God that protecting it is our primary mission.
Nothing speaks louder about our faith than
our actions and attitudes toward one another. We have all have the
ability to interpret body language through
our visual senses. While a smile can let down our guard, a glare
will cause us to be wary, but deceptive attitudes in the heart are
the most destructive.

When we
judge others based on outward appearances
or circumstances in their lives, we are actually bringing judgment on
ourselves. Our Father has no favorites. “Judgment begins in the
house of the Lord” (1 Peter 4:17). Only Jesus is worthy of judging
our actions and attitudes, but many relationships
have been destroyed by this sin. (James 4:11-12)

The
easiest way to tell if unforgiveness livesin your heart is when the
person who has offended you is constantly on your mind or the mention
of their name causes anger. Forgiveness begins
with you. As an act of your
will, forgive the person. To know that forgiveness has taken place,
there is no pain or anger when you think of that person.

“Get rid
of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as
all types of malicious behavior. Instead be kind to each other,
tenderhearted, forgiving on another, just as God through Christ has
forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT)

1 comment:

I appreciated this post, Terrie. Forgiveness is such an ongoing struggle.

I came here looking for your Forward post because I leave the country early tomorrow. Will come back here when I return. I also wanted you to know that I've begun reading "Footsteps" and am enjoying it and your clear-yet-lovely writing. Good job!